Tampon with a tampon applicator

ABSTRACT

A suitable tampon with a tampon applicator for expelling the tampon to provide side-to-side coverage and inserting the tampon into a body cavity is provided. The tampon applicator has a tampon holder tube having interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, a hollow portion and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity. The tampon holder tube has a feature for separating and spreading a tampon apart during expulsion of the tampon. A plunger may also be telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to directionally expel the tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a novel tampon applicator having a tamponexpulsion feature providing directed expulsion of a tampon.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tampon applicators comprising a plurality of telescopically-arrangedtubes are known. Such applicators are, however, either blunt ended atthe end which is intended for vaginal insertion (the “expulsion end ”)or, in recent years applicators have been developed which are rounded atthat end, having a plurality of separated “petals” which are furtherspaced upon the expulsion through the end of a tampon. The telescopictube arrangement permits one tube to be used as a plunger to force theexpulsion of the tampon from another tube in which the plunger tube isslidably positioned. Although the petal format is more convenient forvaginal insertion, the prior art structures suffer from a number ofdisadvantages, the most significant of which is probably the tendency ofthe expanded petal arrangement (after expulsion of a tampon) to catch ornip tissue and hair. By way of example, a petal-type tampon applicatormade from plastics material is known in which the rounded tamponexpulsion end comprises a number of separated petals integrally formedwith the remainder of the upper part of the tampon applicator. Thepetals each come to a point so that the rounded end, before expulsion ofa tampon, is closed and has the appearance in end-on view of a circlesplit into a number of segments. Unfortunately, the petals of thisstructure have a tendency to nip or catch tissue or hair therebetweenwhen the applicator is in use this tendency is exacerbated by the petalsreadily springing back to the original configuration after expulsion ofa tampon. Existing long petal arrangements also exhibit a problem whicharises from the less stable expulsion end configuration produced by longpetals. The resulting less stable formed end may produce user discomfortbecause of the increased risk of the petals being bent back duringvaginal insertion.

Additionally, it has been long recognized that the internal vaginalcavity in its normal collapsed state is of much wider dimension in itstransverse plane than in its vertical plane. It is equally well knownthat the minimum dimension of the vagina is near the introitus while themaximum dimension is near the cervix. It is desirable, therefore, whenconsidering a tampon for catamenial use, to provide a structure which isin its initial state is of a size small enough to pass through thevaginal orifice without discomfort, and when once inside the vaginalcavity and beyond the restrictions of the orifice may be expanded,particularly in the lateral direction, to contact substantially largeportions of the vaginal walls, preferably from one side to the other inthe vaginal cavity to prevent early bypass of the menstrual dischargesfrom the cervix. Note that this side-to-side coverage is a highlypreferred object of this invention. Since the vaginal wall in its normalcollapsed state is flaccid and has multiple folds and wrinkles whichprovide channels through which a significant portion of the menstrualfluids normally flow, it is also important that the absorbent tampon beas soft and conformable as possible in order to conform to the shape ofthe vaginal cavity and fit within these channels to minimize leakage.

The absorbent catamenial tampons now in general use comprise small,highly compressed, cylindrical plugs about three-eighths to one-halfinch (about 1.0 cm to 1.3 cm) in diameter and from 1 ½ to 2 ½inches inlength (about 3.8 cm to 6.4 cm). Because of the need for absorbentcapacity, they are usually formed from batts much larger in size thanthe vaginal orifice, and compressed to the small size indicated above inorder to facilitate insertion. As fluid is absorbed, these compressedtampons are expected to re-expand toward their original pre-compressedsize, and to eventually become large enough to effectively cover thevaginal cavity against fluid leakage or bypass. While it has been foundthat these compressed tampons perform their intended function tolerablywell, even the best of them do not re-expand sufficiently, or fastenough, to provide good transverse coverage against leakage even thoughthe vertical block may be satisfactory. Further, most of these tamponsoften use only a small portion of their absorptive capacity beforeleakage. Since these tampons rely on some fluid absorption to re-expand,it is clear that fluid bypass and leakage can occur prematurely, and canparticularly occur immediately or soon after the time of insertion.

Numerous attempts have been made to solve this problem with someapproaches focusing on the applicator and others focusing on the tamponitself For example, some approaches in the patent art suggest a tamponwith a built-in mechanical expansion means, a typical example being U.S.Pat. No. 3,706,311 to Kohx, et al. However, the mechanical expansionmeans disclosed in that patent is in the form of a flat spring-likeelement which after insertion permanently maintains the spreadconfiguration of the tampon, may make it difficult to remove.

Another approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,512,528 to Whitehead,et al. which teaches the use of a sack of absorbent material collapsedto a small size for insertion and which after insertion is expanded bythe introduction of a gas or a fluid internally of the sack. Themultiple steps and complicated manipulation of the gas or fluidintroduction means required when using this type of tampon detract fromthe tampon.

Still another approach is described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,857,395 issued toJohnson, et al. The Johnson, et al. patent teaches the use of anelongated inserter device over which a flat tampon is draped. Theinserter is said to permit the draped portion of the tampon to bepulled, rather than pushed into the cavity from the point at which thetampon is supported on the leading end of the inserter. The insertermeans is equipped with a bilateral expansion mechanism which at theuser's option may be operated to transversely spread the tampon at thetime of insertion. The inserter device described in the Johnson, et al.patent suffers from many drawbacks, however. The Johnson inserter deviceis a complicated device comprising a pair of hinged arms that arecapable of laterally diverging at a hinge or joint. The angular natureof the hinged arms would make that inserter uncomfortable to use. Thecomplex nature of the hinged arms would also make it difficult andexpensive to manufacture. As a result, it would not be suitable as adisposable applicator.

Another problem that exists in deploying tampons having a greatertransverse dimension within the vaginal cavity is that this greatertransverse dimension of the vaginal cavity is roughly perpendicular tothe vaginal opening.

One attempt to address this latter problem is described in U.S. Pat. No.3,068,867 issued to Bletzinger, et al. The Bletzinger, et al. patent isdirected to a tampon insertion device having a positioning indicatorthereon. The device described in the Bletzinger, et al. patent comprisesan insertion device for tampons which are either of cylindricalcross-section, or non-cylindrical cross-section but constructed to expand w hen subjected to fluids in a non-cylindrical shape. The insertiondevice is provided with an indicator that aids the user in inserting thetampon with its major cross-sectional axis transverse to the major axisof the vaginal opening. The Bletzinger device, however, is awkward inthat it requires insertion of the widest dimension of the tamponcross-wise to the narrowest dimension of the vaginal opening.

Another series of attempts to overcome the problems associated withconventional, highly compressed, fluid expanding tampons is described inU.S. Patent No. 3,749,094 issued to Duncan and U.S. Patent Nos.3,794,029 and 3,766,921 both issued to Dulle. The Duncan and Dulledevices are all generally conical and are designed to be dry-expanding.While these devices would be expected to overcome some of the problemsassociated with highly compressed, fluid expanding tampons, the Duncanand Dulle devices still require significant rigidity and compression inorder to permit their use in a conventional “tube and plunger” typeapplicator for which they are designed. It has been found duringdevelopment of the present invention that a tampon constructed accordingto the invention described herein can provide even further improvementsin comfort, low wearing awareness, and performance as compared tocurrently marketed tampons and previous attempts to improve upon suchtampons such as those described above. The present invention aims toprovide a structure with the advantages of petal-type applicators, andespecially providing for side-to-side coverage, but minimizing thedisadvantages noted above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the invention provides a suitable tampon with a tamponapplicator for directionally inserting the tampon into a female'svaginal cavity.

More specifically, a tampon and a tampon applicator are provided incombination for directional expulsion of the tampon into the vaginalcavity of a female user. The tampon applicator provides a tampon holdertube having a hollow portion, interior and exterior surfaces, alongitudinal axis, an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into thebody cavity, and an insertion end positioned oppositely to the expulsionend. The tampon holder tube comprises a feature for directionallyexpelling a tampon into the vaginal cavity of a female user. Inpractice, a tampon is loaded into the tampon holder tube in apre-expelled position, and a plunger telescopically and slidably mountedin the tampon holder tube at the insertion end of the tampon holdertube, the plunger being adapted to expel the tampon from the tamponholder tube.

In one embodiment herein, the feature that directionally expels a tamponwill partially separate at least one portion of the tampon into at leasttwo distinct portions as the tampon is directionally expelled from thetampon holder tube. In another embodiment herein, the feature fordirectionally expelling a tampon substantially separates at least oneportion of the tampon into at least two distinct portions as the tamponis expelled from the tampon holder tube.

In one preferred embodiment herein, the tampon may comprise onelongitudinal portion having two opposed ends and a mid-section; thetampon is preferably uninterrupted by any breaks therein. Such a tamponis loaded into the tampon holder tube by bending the tampon at about thetampon's middle portion or mid-section and positioning the tampon'sopposed ends into adjacent proximity to one-another.

In another tampon embodiment herein, the tampon comprises onelongitudinal portion having two opposed ends and a mid-section, thetampon being interrupted at the mid-section to form a shape. Such aninterrupted tampon consists of one or more of the following shapes:cylinders, circles, V-shapes, U-shapes, crimped shapes, hexagons,triangles, orthogonals, pentagons, squares and combinations thereof Asmentioned above, the tampon holder tube comprises a feature fordirectionally expelling a tampon. The feature comprises a pair ofmutually opposed guides extending from the expulsion end. Each guidepreferably has a continuous external surface and an internal surfaceopposed thereto wherein the continuous external surface faces away fromthe hollow of the tampon holder tube and the opposing internal surfacefaces inwardly toward the hollow of the tampon holder tube. In thisembodiment, the internal surfaces each have a guidance plate positionedinwardly toward the hollow of the tampon holder tube. Each guidanceplate further comprises at least one pair of guidance ridges that have acontinuous surface positioned therebetween; i.e., more than one pair ofguidance ridges may reside on each internal surface of each guide.Further, the guides preferably have a pair of sloping surfaces, eachsloping surface being positioned connectedly adjacent to a guidanceridge and each sloping surface sloping from the guidance ridge to theinternal surface of the guide adjacent to the free expulsion area. Thetampon applicator further preferably comprises a pair of free expulsionareas positioned adjacent to the guides. The free expulsion areas andthe guides operate together to provide efficient directional expulsionof a tampon. Preferably, a plunger is telescopically and slidablymounted in the tampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end andadapted to expel a tampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expelsthe tampon.

In another embodiment herein, a tampon applicator for directionallyexpelling a tampon is provided. This tampon applicator comprises atampon holder tube having a hollow, interior and exterior surfaces, alongitudinal axis, and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion intothe female's vaginal cavity. The tampon holder tube comprises a featurefor directionally expelling a tampon. The feature comprises a pair ofopposed guides extending from the expulsion end, each said guide havinga discontinuous external surface and an internal surface opposedthereto. The discontinuous external surface faces away from the hollowof the tampon holder tube and the opposing internal surface faces towardthe hollow of the tampon holder tube. The discontinuous externalsurfaces are preferably indented inwardly toward the hollow of thetampon applicator. Each indentation operates to form an indentedguidance plate on the internal surface of each guide. The featurepreferably further comprises a pair of opposed free expulsion areas, thefree expulsion areas being positioned adjacent to the guides on thetampon holder tube. The free expulsion areas and the guides operatetogether to provide efficient directional expulsion of a tampon.Preferably, a plunger is telescopically and slidably mounted in thetampon holder tube distal to the expulsion end and adapted to expel atampon from the tampon holder tube when a user expels the tampon.

In yet another embodiment herein, a tampon applicator for directionallyexpelling a tampon is provided that comprises a tampon holder tubehaving a hollow, interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis,and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into the female's vaginalcavity. The tampon holder tube comprises a feature for directionallyexpelling a tampon. The feature further comprises at least a pair ofopposed guides extending from the expulsion end. Each guide has anexternal surface and an internal surface opposed thereto, wherein theexternal surface faces away from the hollow of the tampon holder tubeand the opposing internal surface faces inwardly toward the hollow ofthe tampon holder tube. The internal surfaces each comprise a guidanceplate having at least one pair of guidance ridges, i.e., more than onepair of guidance ridges may reside on each internal surface of eachguide. The guidance plates herein do not provide a continuous surfacebetween the guidance ridge pairs. Each guidance ridge preferably, butnot necessarily, substantially extends throughout the expulsion end ofthe tampon holder tube and may each be comprise a sloping surfacepositioned adjacent to each guidance ridge. The feature preferablyfurther comprises a pair of opposed free expulsion areas. The freeexpulsion areas are positioned adjacent to the guides on the tamponholder tube. The free expulsion areas and the guides operate together toprovide directed expulsion of a tampon. Preferably, a plunger istelescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube distal tothe expulsion end and adapted to expel a tampon from the tampon holdertube when a user expels a tampon.

For each of the tampon applicator embodiments noted above, the guidanceplates therein may be inwardly oriented towards the hollow of the tamponholder tube at an angle β ranging from about 0° to about 89°.Preferably, each guidance plate herein is inwardly oriented towards thehollow of the tampon holder tube at an angle β ranging from about 10° toabout 80°. More preferably, each guidance plate is inwardly orientedtowards the hollow of the tampon holder tube at an angle R ranging fromabout 20° to about 70°.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the subject matter which is regarded as formingthe present invention, it is believed that the invention will be betterunderstood from the following descriptions which are taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like designationsare used to designate substantially identical elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective drawing of a tampon applicator and tampon beingexpelled therethrough;

FIG. 2 is a plan side view of the tampon applicator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2A is a side cut view of the left oriented guide and guidance plateof FIG. 2;

FIG. 3 is plan side view of the embodiment of FIG. 2 turned 90° to theright;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a tamponapplicator herein;

FIG. 5 is a plan side view of the tampon applicator of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan side view of the tampon applicator of FIG. 5 turned 900to the right;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an alternative tampon applicatorembodiment;

FIG. 7A is a bottom view of one embodiment of the tampon applicator ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 8 is plan partial view of the expulsion end of the tamponapplicator showing a tampon expelling therefrom;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a tampon having un-joined sections;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a tampon having semi-joined sections;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a substantially solid tampon;

FIG. 12A is a top view of a tampon in its pre-expelled position in atampon applicator;

FIG. 12B is a top view of a tampon during its expulsion from the tamponapplicator;

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of a guide at the expulsion end ofthe tampon applicator;

FIG. 14A is a plan view of a tampon embodiment of the present inventionfitting within the vaginal cavity of a female user;

FIG. 14B is a plan view of an alternative tampon embodiment of thepresent invention fitting with the vaginal cavity of a female user; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic side view of a typical PRIOR ART device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

By the terms “directionally expel”, “directed expulsion” or “directionalexpulsion” it is meant herein that embodiments of the tampon applicatorsof the present invention will either 1) cause a suitable tampon hereinto substantially divide into at least two portions and expel angularly(i.e., at an angle) as the tampon is expelled through the tamponapplicator; and/or 2) directionally position a tampon to be placedadjacent to the walls of a female user's vaginal cavity. By the term“angularly” it is meant herein that a tampon herein at expulsion from atampon holder tube will expel at an angle divergent from thelongitudinal axis of the tampon applicator. Such directional expulsioncauses the tampon applicator, when inserted into the vaginal cavity of afemale user, to spread the tampon in the transverse direction thusproviding side to side coverage to the sides of a female user's vaginalcavity. By the term “side-to-side coverage” it is meant herein that thetampon, once directionally expelled, will have at least two sectionsthereof positioned outwardly onto the sides or walls of a female user'svaginal cavity (See FIGS. 14A and 14B).

A tampon and a tampon applicator are provided in combination fordirectional expulsion of the tampon into the vaginal cavity of a femaleuser (FIG. 1). The tampon applicator 20 provides a tampon holder tube 22having a hollow portion 26′ (not shown), interior 28A and exteriorsurfaces 28B (FIG. 2), a longitudinal axis 42, an expulsion end 24dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity, and an insertion end 21positioned oppositely to the expulsion end 24. The tampon holder tube 22comprises a feature for directionally expelling a tampon 40 into thevaginal cavity of a female user. In practice, a tampon 40 is loaded intothe tampon holder tube 22 in a pre-expelled position, and a plunger 25telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holder tube 22 at theinsertion end 21 of the tampon holder tube, the plunger being adapted toexpel the tampon from the tampon holder tube.

In one embodiment herein, the feature that directionally expels a tamponwill partially separate at least one portion of the tampon into at leasttwo distinct portions as the tampon is directionally expelled from thetampon holder tube. By the term “partially separate” it is meant hereinthat as a tampon 40 is expelled through the tampon holder tube 22, atleast two portions, but not necessarily the entire tampon, willpartially, but not fully or substantially, separate apart fromone-another (See FIG. 11). In another embodiment herein, the feature fordirectionally expelling a tampon substantially separates at least oneportion of the tampon into at least two distinct portions as the tamponis expelled from the tampon holder tube. By the term “substantiallyseparate” it is meant herein that as a tampon 40 is expelled through thetampon holder tube 22, at least two portions, but not necessarily theentire tampon, will substantially separate apart from one-another (SeeFIGS. 1, 9, and 12B).

In one preferred embodiment herein, the tampon 40 may comprise onelongitudinal portion (FIG. 14A) having two opposed ends and amid-section; the tampon is preferably uninterrupted by any breakstherein. Such a tampon 40 is loaded into the tampon holder tube 22 bybending the tampon 40 at about the tampon's middle portion ormid-section and positioning the tampon's opposed ends into adjacentproximity to one-another (FIG. 12A). By the term “adjacent proximity” itis meant herein that the two ends of the tampon 40 when loaded into atampon holder tube 22, as shown in FIG. 12A, will be positioned closetogether in the tube 22 prior to expulsion of the tampon 40.

In another tampon embodiment herein shown in FIG. 11, the tampon 40comprises one longitudinal portion having two opposed ends 40E and 40Fand a mid-section 41, the tampon 40 being interrupted at the mid-section41 to form a shape. By the term “interrupted” it is meant herein thatthe tampon 40 is bent and/or shaped permanently so as not to conform toa cylindrical or straightened shape. Such an interrupted tampon 40consists of one or more of the following shapes: circles, V-shapes,U-shapes, crimped shapes, hexagons, triangles, orthogonals, pentagons,squares and combinations thereof. As is shown in FIG. 1, the presentinvention provides a directionally expelling tampon 40 in combinationwith a tampon applicator 20 for directional expulsion of the tampon 40.The tampon applicator 20 herein comprises a tampon holder tube 22 havingan interior surface 22A (not shown), an exterior surface 22B (FIGS.1-3), a longitudinal axis 42 (FIG. 1), a hollow portion 26′ (not shown)surrounded by the tampon holder tube 22 and an expulsion end 24 (FIGS.2-3) dimensioned for insertion into the body cavity, specifically thevaginal cavity of a female user. The hollow portion 26′ represents theopen space which is surrounded by the tampon holder tube 22.Additionally, the tampon holder tube 22 further comprises a feature fordirectionally expelling a tampon 40 during its expulsion through thetampon holder tube 22. Alternatively, the tampon applicator 20 mayinclude a plunger 25 (FIG. 1) that is telescopically and slidablymounted in the tampon holder tube 22 distal to the expulsion end 24 andadapted to expel the tampon 40 from the tampon holder tube 22 when afemale user expels the tampon 40 from the tampon holder tube 22.However, such user activated expulsion may occur either by a plunger 25,plunger-like device or digitally with a user's finger(s), FIG. 1 furthershows a tampon 40 partially positioned within and without of the tamponholder tube 22 of the tampon applicator 20 in the act of expulsion ofthe tampon 40. Previous to expulsion, the tampon 40 rests in a ready orpre-expelled position in the tampon holder tube 22 poised for expulsion(FIG. 12A). By the terms “ready position” or “pre-expelled position” itis meant herein a position in which the tampon 40 is placed or packedinto the tampon holder tube 22 positioned for the tampon's successfulexpulsion through the tampon holder tube 22. As is readily seen in FIG.12A, the tampon 40 preferably sits within the tampon holder tube 22 andcan remain preferably snugly therein without any outside force tosustain its position in the tampon holder tube 22. In FIG. 12B, i.e.,during the expulsion of the tampon 40, the tampon 40 is shown beingdirectionally expelled such that when the tampon applicator 20 isinserted into the vaginal cavity of a female user, side-to-side coverageis achieved. Note that a tampon applicator 20 herein is inserted intothe vagina of a female user while the tampon 40 sits therein in itspre-expelled position.

The purpose of directional expulsion is to achieve side-to-side coverageof a tampon 40 within a female user's vaginal cavity. While not wishingto be bound by any particular theory, it is believed herein thatside-to-side coverage is best achieved when the tampon 40, duringexpulsion, is directed by the unique design of the tampon applicatorsshown in the figures; not including, of course, the prior art device(FIG. 15).

The tampon 40 itself may comprise, i.e., come in, several forms. Forexample, the tampon 40 may comprise at least two longitudinally unjoinedsections 40A and 40B and a base or joining section 41. (FIG. 9). By theterm “unjoined” it is meant herein that a portion of the tampon willhave two or more portions which are not substantially connected toone-another. In another form of the tampon 40 herein, the tampon 40 maycomprise at least two longitudinally semi-joined sections 40C and 40D.(FIG. 10). By the term “semi-joined” it is meant herein that two or moreportions of the tampon are joined about one more lines of weakness 42(FIG. 10) upon which the force of expulsion of a tampon may disrupt. Bythe term “line(s) of weakness” it is meant herein a line or area capableof being disrupted thereby causing a tampon to split into two or moreportions as it is expelled through the tampon applicator. One example ofa line of weakness 42 is a line of perforation 42, the line ofperforation residing between at least two semi-joined portions 40C and40D. (FIG. 10).

In another embodiment herein, the tampon 40 may be a substantially soliddevice. (FIG. 11). By the term “substantially solid” it is meant hereinthat the tampon comprises portions of substantially solid density, andthe tampon is not readily susceptible to being divided into two or moreportions by the guidance ridges of the tampon applicator. As one exampleherein of a substantially solid tampon, the tampon 40 may comprisesections of varying density positioned longitudinally about thelongitudinal axis 42 of the tampon applicator 20. More specifically, thesections of the tampon 40 may comprise semi-compressed or compressedmaterial throughout the tampon sections. Preferably, as in FIG. 11tampon, this substantially solid device comprises two acquisitionportions 40E and 40F with an absorbent portion 40G positionedtherebetween. Preferably, a base or joining section 41 is positioned atone end of the tampon 40.

Contact of a female user's vaginal walls is a highly desiredcharacteristic of a tampon when it is worn during a female'smenstruation period. Menses, whether highly viscous or less viscous,when leaching out of user, follows the geometry of a female user'svaginal walls. In other words, menses may substantially flow along thevaginal walls of a female user. For example, FIGS. 14A and 14B, whichshow two different embodiments of tampons 40 providing side-to-sidecoverage, show how such side-to-side coverage is expected to occur. Morespecifically, whether a tampon 40 comprises one section or ismulti-sectional by use of the tampon applicator 20 which providesdirectional expulsion of a tampon 40, side-to-side coverage of thetampons 40 to a female's vaginal sides is expected to occur the same asor similar to that side-to-side coverage shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B.

FIGS. 1-3 show that the feature for directionally expelling the tampon40 apart during the expulsion thereof comprises at least one pair ofguides 28. The guides 28 each have an external surface 28B and aninternal surface 28A (FIG. 5). The guides 28 are positioned at theexpulsion end 24 of the tampon applicator 20 and have a pre-expelledposition. By the term “pre-expelled position” it is meant herein thatposition occupied by the guides 28 before they are impacted or contactedby a suitable tampon 40 expelled from the tampon applicator 20; e.g.,see FIG. 2 as an example of guides 28 in their pre-expelled positions.The guides 28 operate to remain substantially close to theirpre-expelled position during the expulsion of part of the tampon 40 fromthe tampon holder tube 22. In an alternative embodiment herein, theguides 28 may actually touch or be connected at their respective tipssuch one guide 28 results. Herein, the guides 28 are made more rigidthan guides or petals on conventional applicators because of theirdesigned task; i.e., directional expulsion of a tampon. Guide rigidityand their effects on suitable tampons will be discussed in greaterdetail hereafter.

On the internal surfaces 28A of each guide 28 are located guidanceplates 29 (FIG. 2A). Each guidance plate 29 operates in conjunction withthe guides 28 to help directionally expel a tampon 40 from the tamponholder tube 22. More specifically, the guidance plates 29 provide angledsurfaces that operate to expel a tampon 40 from the tampon holder tube22 at an angle, such angularity being provided by the design of amanufacturer. Since the guides 28 have been designed to substantiallynot move and/or move only within certain minimal parameters, anexpelling tampon 40, once it meets the guides 28, will optimally becaused to expel directionally from the tampon holder tube 22 by theangular surfacing of the guidance plates 29.

Each guidance plate 29 preferably comprises guidance ridges 30 (FIGS.2-2A), continuous surfaces 32 (not shown) and at least two slopingsurfaces 34 (not shown) for every guidance plate 29. For more detailedinformation on the structure of the guidance plates 29 herein, pleasesee U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/336,399, filed on Jun. 18, 1999by Mackay, et al. and entitled Tampon Applicator, such patentapplication being hereby incorporated by reference herein. As mentionedbefore, each guidance plate 29 resides on the internal surface 28A ofeach guide 28. The guidance plate 29 is attached to and preferably jutsout from its respective internal surface 28A (not shown). Herein, theangular surfaces that directionally expel a tampon 40 are preferablyprovided by the combined structure of the guidance ridges 30, continuoussurfaces 32 and sloping surfaces 34 being fitted and working together.While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believedherein that the combination created in a guidance plate 29 (i.e., theguidance ridges 30, continuous surface 32, and sloping surfaces 34)helps to provide angled expulsion (i.e., directional expulsion) of atampon 40 in conjunction with the guides 28. Directional expulsion of atampon 40 is an important requirement and objective of any tamponapplicator embodiment discussed herein.

For each of the embodiments noted above, the guidance plates 29 thereinmay be inwardly oriented towards the hollow of the tampon holder tube atan angle β ranging from about 0° to about 89° (FIG. 2A). Preferably,each guidance plate herein is inwardly oriented towards the hollow ofthe tampon holder tube at an angle β ranging from about 10° to about80°. More preferably, each guidance plate is inwardly oriented towardsthe hollow of the tampon holder tube at an angle β ranging from about20° to about 70°. The angle D is measured between the x-axis and y-axisshown. These same axes exist for the right oriented guidance plate 29 onthe right oriented guide 28. The guidance plate 29 shown in FIG. 2A isthe left oriented guidance plate 29; however, the right orientedguidance plate 29 will preferably tilt toward the x-axis at the sameangle β as the left oriented guidance plate 29. In an alternativeembodiment herein it is conceived that the left and right orientedguidance plates 29 may tilt toward their common x-axis at differingangles.

With regard to the orientation and structure of the guides 28, in oneembodiment herein, the external surface 28B of each of the guides 28 iscontinuous or substantially continuous (FIGS. 1-3). By the term“continuous” it is meant herein that the external surface of the guidesare substantially without any indentations, wedges, holes, orimpressions. The internal surface 28A of this same guide 28 comprises atleast one guidance ridge 30. As is seen in FIG. 2, a guidance ridge 30may be a line or an area positioned toward the hollow portion 26′ of thetampon applicator 20. As has been previously noted, the guidance ridge30 may be created by one or more indentations in a guide 28 oradditionally by one or more solid structures (not shown) formed onto theinner surface 28A of the guide 28. While not wishing to be bound to anyparticular theory, it is believed that where a solid structure existsattached to the internal surface 28A of a guide, it reinforces theguidance plate 29 and also helps to provide directional expulsion of atampon 40 at its expulsion from a tampon holder tube 22.

FIG. 10 provides a view of an alternative embodiment to that shown inFIGS. 1-4. Specifically, the embodiment of FIG. 10 provides, in onecase, only guidance ridges 30 raised from the internal surface 28A ofeach guide 28, and in another case, a combination of guidance ridges 30and sloping surfaces 34 (not shown), i.e., generally, one slopingsurface 34 per guidance ridge 30. Obviously, a continuous surfacebetween the guidance ridges 30 is not present in this embodiment.Herein, a guidance plate 29 is still considered to be present. Itexists, however, without the presence of a continuous surface unlike theprevious embodiment. FIG. 10A is a bottom view of the tampon holder tube22 of FIG. 10. In FIG. 10A, the guidance ridges 30 are shown to extendfrom the throughout length of the internal surface 28A on the guides 28.It noted herein, though, that the length of the guidance ridges 30 maydepend upon the type of tampon used (i.e., its configuration) and/or thetype of directional expulsion sought by a manufacturer and thus may beshortened in length as is necessary.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 is important because it offers analternative in the amount of materials used to create a guidance plate29 and in the overall construction of the tampon applicator 20. By usingonly guidance ridges 30 and/or guidance ridges 30 in combination withsloping surfaces 34, material which would otherwise be used to providethe continuous surface 32 is negated, thus saving possible additionalmaterial costs. Also, performance is not generally sacrificed byproviding guidance ridges 30 only or in combination with slopingsurfaces 34 because the guidance ridges 30 by their stiffness andrigidity in combination with the stiffness of the guides 28 will stillserve to adequately directionally expel a tampon 40 from the tamponholder tube 22. As in the previous embodiment, the sloping surfaces 34rising from the internal surfaces 28A of the guides 28 serves to provideadditional angularity in the expulsion of a tampon 40.

In another embodiment herein, the external surface 28B of the guides 28may be discontinuous (FIGS. 7-9). By the term “discontinuous” it ismeant herein that the external surface of the guides 28 may compriseindentations, wedges, or impressions. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7,the internal surface 28A of each guide 28 comprises at least oneguidance ridge 30, and preferably a pair thereof As can be readilyappreciated in FIGS. 7-9, the guidance ridges 30 in this embodiment willpreferably, but not always, correspond directly to the indentationsformed into the external surface 28B of each guide 28. Like theembodiment shown in FIGS. 10 an 10A, this embodiment constitutes apreferred embodiment because no additional material is being added tothe tampon holder tube 22 to form a separate guidance plate 29. In fact,a guidance plate 29 is being impressed into each guide withoutsacrificing either performance in the guides themselves or the necessaryrigidity in each guide 28. This embodiment would therefore be highlypreferred in creating a low-cost tampon applicator.

In a highly preferred embodiment herein, the tampon holder tube 22 ofthe tampon applicator 20 comprises a pair of opposed guides 28 extendingfrom the expulsion end and a pair of opposed free expulsion areas 26,the free expulsion areas 26 being positioned adjacent to the guides 28.(FIGS. 2, 4, 8A, 9 and 13). The “free expulsion area” it is meant hereinto be an opening through which a portion of a tampon 40 may bedirectionally expelled. The free expulsion areas 26 and the guides 28operate together to provide directed expulsion of the tampon 40 atexpulsion through the tampon holder tube 22.

More specifically, when a tampon 40 is expelled through the tamponholder tube 22, and as it moves through the expulsion end 24 of thetampon holder tube 22, the tampon 40 is simultaneously (or substantiallytherefor) both directionally expelled by force against the guides 28 andresistance to opening provided by the guides 28 causing the directionalshift or expulsion of the tampon 40 through the free expulsion areas 26,each free expulsion area 26 being positioned opposite to one-another onthe holder tube 22 at the expulsion end 24 thereof In practice, the freeexpulsion areas 26 allow a substantially unobtrusive exit of the tampon40 through the expulsion end 24 of the tampon holder tube 22.Furthermore, at expulsion, the tampon 40 is forced to at least partiallydivide or separate, thus providing at least two portions 40A, 40B of thetampon 40 which will preferably contact at least two surfaces of afemale user's vaginal cavity.

The configuration of the free expulsion areas 26 are preferably createdto match the configuration of the trajectory of the expelling tampon 40,such trajectory preferably being imposed by the angular configuration ofthe guides 28. In similar fashion, the guides 28 are created to providea resistance to applied force to the tampon 40 as it is pushed throughthe tampon holder tube 22. Note that such pushing through or expulsionis normally conducted by a female user either digitally by use of one ormore of her fingers or by a plunger 25 (FIG. 1). It is further notedherein that the shape or configuration of the free expulsion areas 26may vary as long as full expulsion of the tampon 40 is allowed. One ofskill in the art will readily recognize obvious variants on thosepresented in the patent application herein.

In FIGS. 2, 4, 8A and 9, the free expulsion areas 26 are shown as beingoval or semi-oval in shape with a preferred beveled lip 27 turnedinwardly towards the free expulsion area 26 of the holder tube 22. Oneversed in the art can imagine that the free expulsion areas 26 might bemore circular, square, rectangular, triangular or any other conceivableshape possible as long as any such shape would work effectively to fullyand properly expel a tampon 40 from the tampon holder tube 22. The freeexpulsion areas 26 are in no way limited by the size or shape that theymay assume except that they should not hinder directional expulsion of atampon 40.

While not wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believedherein that several unique elements work together to provide directionalexpulsion of a tampon 40 for side-to-side coverage. They include, butnot exclusively so, the stiffness and interior surfaces of the guides28, the guidance plates and the presence and shape of the expulsionareas 26. It is noted herein that directional expulsion of a tampon 40may occur with only the guides 28 present, but for the preferredefficiency in directional expulsion, at least one other element shouldbe included with the guides 28.

With regard to the stiffness of the guides 28, it is preferred toprovide guidance ridges stiff enough to substantially resist moving asthe un-joined and/or semi-joined portions of a tampon 40 expeltherethrough (See FIGS. 12A-12B). However, such guidance ridges mustalso open at least slightly, thus becoming wide enough for the base of atampon to move through the guidance ridges without substantialobstruction thereof In practice, the guides 28, because of theirstiffness and/or resistance to move substantially out of place,substantially cause the directional expulsion of the tampon 40 as itmoves through and out of the tampon holder tube 22, such directionalexpulsion being a critical feature of obtaining side-to-side coverage ofthe tampon 40 to a female user's vaginal cavity. As the tampon 40 movesthrough the tampon holder tube 22 and out through the expulsion end 24of the tampon holder tube 22, the tampon 40 (i.e., the un-joinedsections 40A, 40B and the semi-joined sections 40C, 40D thereof) iscaused to substantially directionally divide. (FIGS. 10, 11 A, and 11B).As the tampon 40 exits the tampon applicator 20 and is positioned withina female user's vaginal cavity, the split portions 40A, 40B (FIG. 11A)or 40C, 40D (FIG. 11B) of the tampon 40 will preferably contact thesides and/or walls of a female user's vaginal cavity, thus enablingside-to-side coverage. Herein, the un-joined and/or semi-joined portionsof a tampon will preferably divide from between about 5 mm to about 60mm depending upon the design of the tampon applicator 20 when insertedinto the vaginal cavity of a female user; e.g., see the length (L) inFIGS. 14A and 14B. Such length (L) of division of the tampon's un-joinedsections (40A and 40B) or semi-joined sections (40C and 40D) is at thediscretion of a manufacturer, but depends on the range of lateral widthof a female user's vaginal cavities.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, theguides 28 at least partially separate the tampon 40 into at least twodistinct portions 40A and 40B as the tampon 40 is expelled from thetampon holder tube 22. Alternatively, the guides 28 substantiallyseparate the tampon 40 into at least two distinct portions 40A and 40Bas the tampon 40 is expelled from the tampon holder tube 22. Alsoalternatively, the guides 28 may merely indent and not separate thetampon 40 as it is expelled from the tampon holder tube 22.

The tampon holder tube 22 is preferably an elongate hollow tube that hasinsertion end (or “expulsion end”) 24 and a gripping end 23. The tamponholder tube 22 can be constructed from similar materials to other tamponholder tubes known in the art of the type used in tampon applicatorscurrently in use. Examples of other such tampon holder tube aredescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep.13, 1994, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631 issued to Campion, et al. on Sep.24, 1996. The tampon holder tube 22 can be of any suitablecross-sectional shape. Suitable cross-sectional shapes include, but arenot limited to circular, oval, flattened circular, and elliptical.Preferably, the tampon holder tube 22 has a circular cross-sectionalconfiguration.

The plunger 25 comprises a component that is used to expel a tampon 40from its position within the tampon holder tube 22 when the plunger 25is pushed manually into the tampon holder tube 25. The plunger 25 can beany type of component that is suitable for this purpose. The plunger 25can be constructed similarly to plungers of the type used in tamponapplicators currently in use. An example of a suitable plunger isdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,346,468 issued to Campion, et al. onSeptember 13, 1994, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,558,631 issued to

It should also be understood that the plunger 25 is an optional, butpreferred component for use with the tampon applicator 20, and that thetampon applicator 20 will be fully functional if the plunger 25 isomitted, i.e., a user must insert and push the tampon 40 through thetampon applicator 20 digitally.

To use the tampon applicator 40 of the present invention the user willtypically hold the tampon holder tube 22 in one hand at the finger gripson the same. When present, the user holds the end of the plunger 25,such as with her thumb and middle finger, and pushes the plunger 25inwardly to slide the plunger 25 within the tampon holder tube 22. Inpractice, a user pushes the inserted plunger 25 until the entire tampon40 is deployed from the tampon applicator 20. The user then pulls theentire tampon applicator 20 (i.e., with the plunger 25 inside) out ofthe user's vaginal opening.

As is seen in FIG. 15, the PRIOR ART device is a typical device in whichthe guides or petals thereof move readily away from the tampon as it isexpelled from the tampon holder tube. Obviously, from such aconstruction, the tampon applicator of FIG. 15 can provide little if anydirectional expulsion of a tampon within the vagina of a female user andthus can provide no side-to-side coverage of a tampon within the vaginaof a female user. All of the embodiments provided herein, except thePRIOR ART device, are designed to provide directional expulsion of atampon which is critical to achieving side-to-side coverage of a tamponwithin a female user's vagina.

EXAMPLES Example No. 1

“V” 14 mm Tubular—(2Tubes side by side w/punch & loop cord attachmentand PP Overwrap width)

Materials Needed: Supplier: 1. Overwrap. 1. Sandler 2. Absorbent Core.2. Procter & Gamble 3. Cord. 3. Wehadkee 4. Thread. 4. Coats AmericaThread

PRODUCTION AIDS NEEDED:

Sewing Machine 25.4 × 160 mm Core Die Cutter Embroidery Needles Plasticformed into a Funnel Darner Needles Ezy-Pull Bodkin (Inverting tool)

TAMPON MAKING INSTRUCTIONS (“V”14 mm PP Overwrap)

Using the 25.4×160 mm Die “Core” Cutter, cut the strips of TampaxRegular absorbency core material and set aside. Cut a (minimum of 150mm) long section of Sandler polypropylene overwrap and place onto thework surface. Fold the PP overwrap in half lengthwise. Align the PPfolded edge with the 14 mm marking on the sewing machine and sew a seamalong the length of the PP forming a tube. Trim any excess materialsfrom the sewn edge to ensure smooth edges. Using the Ezy-Pull tool,invert the PP tubing. (Ensuring that sewn seam is inside of the tube).Place the core material on the plastic, fold it in half and roll to forma funnel out of the plastic and a tube out of the core material. Insertthe materials into the pre-made PP tubing (pulling core through andremoving plastic tube). Try to ensure that the folded edge of the corewith the seam line of the tubing run together if at all possible.

Cut the tubes to 60 mm in length. Align 260 mm tubes side by side (seamto seam). Using a Darning Needle push through outside of 1_(st) tubeinto the center of the second tube and out the side. Pull additionalstring throughout the two tubes. Bring the strings together and looparound. Trim the cord to 120 mm and the tampon tubes to 60 mm for atotal tampon/string length of 180. Trim the ends to ensure they aresmooth and neat.

Example No. 2

“V”14 mm Tubular—(PP Overwrap width)

Materials Needed: Supplier: 1. Overwrap. 1. Sandler 2. Absorbent Core.2. Procter & Gamble 3. Cord. 3. Wehadkee 4. Thread. 4. Coats AmericaThread

PRODUCTION AIDS NEEDED:

Sewing Machine 25.4 × 160 mm Core Die Cutter Embroidery Needles Plasticformed into a Funnel Darner Needles Ezy-Pull Bodkin (Inverting tool)

TAMPON MAKING INSTRUCTIONS (“V”14 mm PP Overwrap)

Using the 25.4×160 mm Die “Core” Cutter, cut the strips of TampaxRegular absorbency core material and set aside. Cut a (minimum of 150mm) long section of Sandler polypropylene overwrap and place onto thework surface. Fold the PP overwrap in half lengthwise. Align the PPfolded edge with the 14 mm marking on the sewing machine and sew a seamalong the length of the PP forming a tube. Trim any excess materialsfrom the sewn edge to ensure smooth edges. Using the Ezy-Pull tool,invert the PP tubing. (Ensuring that sewn seam is inside of the tube).Place the core material on the plastic, fold it in half and roll to forma funnel out of the plastic and a tube out of the core material. Insertthe materials into the pre-made PP tubing (pulling core through andremoving plastic tube). Try to ensure that the folded edge of the corewith the seam line of the tubing run together if at all possible.

Fold the tube of core material/overwrap in ½, ensuring that the invertedseam of the tube will be in the center (i.e., inside) of the “V”, andthen flatten by hand. From the fold measure up 60 mm to the tag ends(open ends) of the tube of core material/overwrap and trim the tag endsto ensure the ends are smooth and neat and the product measures 60 mm.

Remove a 180 mm section of cord. Tie a double overhand knot in one endof the cord. Trim the cord to measure 120 mm. Using a large darningneedle pass the cord through the folded/seam side of the “V”.

Example No. 3

SEWN “V” & KITE

Materials Needed: Supplier: 1. Overwrap. 1. Sandler 2. Absorbent Core.2. Procter & Gamble 3. Cord. 3. Wehadkee 4. Thread. 4. Coats AmericaThread 5. Absorbent core tube. 5. A. Fem.

PRODUCTON AIDS NEEDED:

Sewing Machine

Sewing Needles

Crochet Hook

“V” Template

TAMPON MAKING INSTRUCTIONS

Cut a 180 mm section of absorbent core tube, trim/remove the largesection of this cord, trimming to sewn seam and set aside. Cut a 400 mmsection of Tampax Regular core material, divide this section of CoreMaterial into 2, ½ thickness. Again divide these {fraction (1/2)} thicksections in half giving a total of 4, ¼ thick sections. Cut 4 200 mmsections of overwrap material, place one of these sections flat onto thesurface of a table. Place one of the ¼ thickness of Core Material ontothe sheet of Overwrap lengthwise, fold the overwrap over the CoreMaterial sandwiching the Core Material between the overwrap. Repeat thisprocess and you should have 2, ¼′ cores sandwiched between the overwrap.

Using a sewing machine, sew along the long open edge (approximately ½inch from edge) the entire length (making sure to sew through the edgeof the Core Material) of the above piece. Trim off excess edge materialand repeat for the other half.

Cut these sections into 80 mm sections. Take these 2 sections and placethem on top of each other, align the edges and place the template ontothese materials, aligning the top of the template along the sewn edge.Using a sewing machine sew along the edge of the template (note: do notsew along the edge that is already sewn). Trim off excess materialmaking a V/Kite and place aside.

Take the trimmed section of the absorbent core tube and tightly attach a200 mm section of Cord to the center of the absorbent core tube usingtwo overhand knots. Pass the large end of the crochet hook through theopen end of the V/Kite out the bottom point of the V/Kite, hook the cordand pull it through the V/Kite core sandwiches, sliding the section ofthe absorbent core tube into the V/Kite. Pull the absorbent core tubetightly into the V/Kite and using the crochet hook tightly place theabsorbent core tube to the sides of the V/Kite. Using the sewing machinesew through the V/Kite along the edge of the absorbent core tubesecuring the absorbent core tube in place. Trim off excess absorbentcore tube at top and trim cord to 130 mm from base of V/Kite.

If you are specifically making a “V” (i.e., not a Kite) to finish theprototype, you need to cut the center pocket out of the Kite, therefore,leaving a “V”.

The disclosures of all patents, patent applications (and any patentswhich issue thereon, as well as any corresponding published foreignpatent applications), and publications mentioned throughout this patentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference herein. It is expresslynot admitted, however, that any of the documents incorporated byreference herein teach or disclose the present invention. It is alsoexpressly not admitted that any of the commercially available materialsor products described herein teach or disclose the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A tampon and tampon applicator in combination fordirectional expulsion of the tampon into the vaginal cavity of a femaleuser, comprising: a tampon holder tube having a hollow portion, interiorand exterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, an expulsion end dimensionedfor insertion into body cavity, and an insertion end positionedoppositely to the expulsion end, the tampon holder tube comprising apair of guides oppositely faced and positioned across from one-another,each said guide having an external surface facing away from the hollowportion of the tampon holder tube and an internal surface facinginwardly toward the hollow portion of the tampon holder tube, the guidesbeing positioned at the expulsion end of the tampon holder tube; atampon loaded into the tampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position;and a plunger telescopically and slidably mounted in the tampon holdertube at the insertion end of the tampon holder tube, the plunger beingadapted to expel the tampon thought the tampon holder tube and out fromthe the pair of guides to effect the directional expulsion of the tamponfrom the tampon holder tube.
 2. The tampon and tampon applicator ofclaim 1 wherein the feature for directional expulsion partiallyseparates at least one portion of the tampon into at least two distinctportions as the tampon is directionally expelled from the tampon holdertube.
 3. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 2 wherein the featurefor directional expulsion substantially separates at least one portionof the tampon into at least two distinct portions as the tampon isexpelled from the tampon holder tube.
 4. The tampon and tamponapplicator of claim 1 wherein the external surfaces of the guides arecontinuous.
 5. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein theexternal surfaces for the guides are discontinuous.
 6. The tampon andtampon applicator of claim 5 wherein the discontinuous external surfacesof the guides are indented inwardly toward the hollow portion of thetampon holder tube such that the discontinuous external surface formsindentations in the discontinuous external surface.
 7. The tampon andtampon applicator of claim 6 wherein the indentations of the guidesforms each said guidance plate on the internal surface of each saidguide.
 8. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 1 wherein the guideseach have a pre-expelled position prior to expulsion of the tamponthrough the tampon holder tube.
 9. The tampon and tampon applicator ofclaim 8 wherein each said guide comprises at least one guidance platepositioned onto the internal surface of the guide, each said guidanceplate being oriented to face inwardly toward the hollow portion of thetampon holder tube.
 10. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 9wherein each said guidance plate comprises at least one pair ofspatially opposed guidance ridges, each said guidance ridge being spacedapart and having a continuous surface positioned therebetween the pairof the guidance ridges.
 11. The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 9wherein the guidance plate further comprises a pair of sloping surfaces,each said sloping surface being held adjacent to and sloping downwardlyfrom one said guidance ridge to the internal surface of the guide. 12.The tampon and tampon applicator of claim 9 wherein each said guidanceplate is inwardly oriented towards the hollow portion of the tamponholder tube at an angle β ranging from about 0° to about 89°.
 13. Thetampon and tampon applicator of claim 9 wherein each said guidance plateis inwardly oriented towards the hollow portion of the tampon holdertube at an angle β ranging from about 10° to about 80°.
 14. The tamponand tampon applicator of claim 9 wherein each said guidance plate isinwardly oriented towards the hollow portion of the tampon holder tubeat an angle β ranging from about 20° to about 70°.
 15. A tampon andtampon applicator in combination for directional expulsion of the tamponinto the vaginal cavity of a female user, comprising: a tampon holdertube having a hollow, interior and exterior surfaces, a longitudinalaxis, and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into a female'svaginal cavity, a tampon loaded into the tampon holder tube in apre-expelled position, the tampon holder tube comprising a feature fordirectionally expelling the tampon, the feature comprising a pair ofopposed guides extending from the expulsion end, each said guide havinga continuous external surface and an internal surface opposed thereto,wherein the continuous external surface faces away from the hollow ofthe tampon holder tube and the opposing internal surface faces inwardlytoward the hollow of the tampon holder tube, the internal surfaces eachhaving a guidance plate positioned inwardly toward the hollow of thetampon holder tube, each said guidance plate further comprising at leastone pair of guidance ridges with a continuous surface positionedtherebetween and a pair of sloping surfaces, each said sloping surfacebeing positioned adjacent to a guidance ridge and sloping from theguidance ridge to the internal surface of the guide, the tampon holdertube further comprising a pair of free expulsion areas positionedadjacent to the guides on the tampon holder tube, the free expulsionareas and the guides operating together to provide directional expulsionof a tampon.
 16. A tampon and tampon applicator in combination fordirectional expulsion of the tampon into the vaginal cavity of a femaleuser, comprising: a tampon holder tube having a hollow, interior andexterior surfaces, a longitudinal axis, and an expulsion end dimensionedfor insertion into the female's vaginal cavity, a tampon loaded into thetampon holder tube in a pre-expelled position, the tampon holder tubecomprising a feature for directionally expelling the tampon, the featurecomprising a pair of opposed guides extending from the expulsion end,each said guide having a discontinuous external surface and an internalsurface opposed thereto, wherein the discontinuous external surfacefaces away from the hollow of the tampon holder tube and the opposinginternal surface faces inwardly toward the hollow of the tampon holdertube, the discontinuous external surfaces each being indented inwardlytoward the hollow of the tampon applicator, each said indentationoperating to form a guidance plate on the internal surface of each saidguide, the feature further comprising a pair of opposed free expulsionareas, the free expulsion areas being positioned adjacent to the guideson the tampon holder tube, the free expulsion areas and the guidesoperating together to provide directed expulsion of a tampon.
 17. Atampon and tampon applicator in combination for directional expulsion ofthe tampon into the vaginal cavity of a female user, comprising: atampon holder tube having a hollow, interior and exterior surfaces, alongitudinal axis, and an expulsion end dimensioned for insertion into afemale's vaginal cavity, a tampon loaded into the tampon holder tube ina pre-expelled position, the tampon holder tube comprising a feature fordirectionally expelling the tampon, the feature comprising a pair ofopposed guides extending from the expulsion end, each said guide havingan external surface and an internal surface opposed thereto, wherein theexternal surface faces away from the hollow of the tampon holder tubeand the opposing internal surface faces inwardly toward the hollow ofthe tampon holder tube, the internal surfaces each comprising at leastone pair of guidance ridges, each said guidance ridge substantiallyextending throughout the expulsion end of the tampon applicator, thefeature further comprising a pair of opposed free expulsion areas, thefree expulsion areas being positioned adjacent to the guidance ridges onthe tampon holder tube, the free expulsion areas and the guidesoperating together to provide directed expulsion of a tampon.